Leonardo shrugs off Berlusconi barbs

AC Milan coach Leonardo on Saturday shrugged off criticism from team owner Silvio Berlusconi and insisted he is not thinking about his position at the Serie A title hopefuls.

The Brazilian has steered Milan to third place this season but in recent weeks he has been criticised by Italian prime minister Berlusconi, who believes that Milan’s forwards play too far from goal.

Leonardo, whose side welcome Catania to the San Siro on Sunday, says he does not take any notice.

“I don’t think about it and I don’t know if it’s good or bad,” he said.

“Now is not the time to talk about my future. I’m only thinking about the last six games because I know in the football world everything changes very quickly.”

Milan have endured a topsy-turvy season under Leonardo in his first year as a coach.

The Rossoneri got off to a poor start in Serie A but recovered and, despite two comprehensive losses to league leaders Inter, are just three points behind their city rivals after last weekend’s 3-2 victory at Cagliari.

Roma, meanwhile, are a point behind Inter in second place, having beaten Jose Mourinho’s men 2-1 at the end of March.

“Anything can happen now and we’re in with a shout,” Leonardo said.

“Inter have some big games while Roma are in form so we have to give it our all in the run in.”

Milan’s cause has not been helped by a string of injuries to key players, with Alessandro Nesta, Alexandre Pato and David Beckham all sidelined by long-term injuries.

Goalkeeper Cristian Abbiati could return for the game with Catania, while midfielders Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini and forwards Mancini and Marco Borriello are expected to shake off niggles.

The Sicilians, in 14th position and seven points above the drop zone, must travel without top scorer Jorge Martinez, who has a pulled muscle.